MLB said it worked with major sportsbooks to cap wagers on individual pitches at $200 and remove those bets from parlays. The restrictions follow indictments of Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz; prosecutors allege bettors won as much as $58,000 on some wagers and more than $400,000 in total.
The limits change the terms under which sportsbooks can offer pitch-level markets linked to the indictments.
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The US Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee asked Major League Baseball to explain how it detects and addresses alleged betting-related game manipulation. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell sent MLB a letter on 14 November seeking written responses and supporting documents by 5 December, including details of investigations since 1 January 2020.
The New York State Gaming Commission is reviewing game-specific individual player proposition wagers and single-game, multi-leg player parlays, citing concerns about sports integrity after high-profile incidents involving athletes and gambling. In a 4 February letter, it said it could prohibit bets if its review warrants their elimination and urged leagues to seek restrictions.
Major League Baseball reportedly circulated an August memo warning major- and minor-league players that risking money on prediction markets tied to baseball would breach league rules. Some players told the report they had not seen the memo or been informed of the league’s position.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine backed MLB’s proposal to restrict or cap some player performance bets in Ohio, according to his reported comments. He described the measure as overdue and urged sportsbooks to support it, after two Ohio professional athletes were suspended in a sports betting investigation.
Major League Baseball has reached agreements with nearly all major sports betting operators to ban micro prop wagers, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. One operator has not agreed, and the proposed ban would cover MLB only. DeWine said he will consider whether to seek state action after the World Series.